Guinea-Bissau Faces Institutional Crisis as President Refuses to Step Down
Guinea-Bissau is facing a political crisis as President Umaro Sissoco Embaló remains in power beyond his official term, which expired on February 28, 2025. Domingos Simões Pereira, leading a coalition with a parliamentary majority, demands elections and the reconvening of parliament. Amidst economic turmoil and threats against protests, there is rising unrest both locally and among expatriates. Attempts at mediation by ECOWAS are faltering, leaving the situation unresolved.
Guinea-Bissau is currently experiencing an institutional crisis as President Umaro Sissoco Embaló refuses to step down despite his five-year term officially having ended on February 28, 2025. Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), is demanding that Embaló relinquish power immediately. Pereira, representing a coalition that secured an absolute majority in the 2023 parliamentary elections, has stated that Embaló’s continued leadership is illegal.
Pereira is advocating for new presidential and parliamentary elections to be conducted within 90 days, in contrast to Embaló’s suggestion of November 30. He argues that the constitution mandates a swift reconvening of the parliament, which Embaló dissolved in December 2023. This parliamentary session is crucial for appointing members to the National Election Commission and electing the president of the Constitutional Court, both of whose terms have expired.
President Embaló, accused of preventing Pereira from forming a government, has ruled Guinea-Bissau by decree for over a year. There are increasing concerns that Embaló aims to retain his position indefinitely, limiting political power solely to himself and his selected cabinet. Embaló, who previously served as prime minister and is a former brigadier general, has broken from his original party to lead a new faction.
The citizens of Guinea-Bissau, facing an acute economic crisis, exhibit a growing apathy amidst political unrest. Nuno Nabiam, the leader of the second-largest opposition party, asserts that protests will be unavoidable until constitutional governance is reinstated. In stark contrast, Embaló has labeled the opposition as incompetent while engaging with international leaders like Vladimir Putin.
The atmosphere in Bissau is one of heightened tension, with the presence of military personnel contributing to a general sense of fear among the populace. Although significant protests have not materialized within the country due to the response from security forces and the onset of Ramadan, expatriates in places like Lisbon have begun to demonstrate for political change.
Recent demonstrators in Lisbon expressed a clear demand for respect for Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, emphasizing that Embaló’s presidential mandate has concluded. Amidst these protests, there are concerns regarding Embaló’s activities in Russia, with claims that he has made numerous trips abroad, diverting attention from the pressing issues facing his country.
Attempts at mediation by ECOWAS have yielded little success. Following the expiration of Embaló’s term, an ECOWAS delegation left Bissau, citing threats from Embaló as a reason for their departure. Observers have noted the diminishing effectiveness of ECOWAS in enforcing political norms, contributing to a bleak outlook for resolving the crisis effectively.
In summary, Guinea-Bissau is in a state of political turmoil, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló refusing to vacate his position despite the expiration of his mandate. Domingos Simões Pereira, supported by a coalition with parliamentary backing, calls for immediate elections and the reconvening of parliament. The opposition faces repression and a general apathy from citizens amid economic hardships, while international mediation efforts by ECOWAS have proven ineffective. The future of governance in Guinea-Bissau remains uncertain as calls for constitutional adherence continue to grow.
Original Source: www.dw.com
